Overseas orders

I am soooooo pleased to see some lovely orders coming from over the waters, like France, Belgium, Sweden, Greece, Germany etc.
I wonder where the next overseas order will come from?
Brilliant!

Welcome Betsy!

Isn't she just lovely? I have named her Betsy, which I know is not exactly French, but it was the first name that popped into my head, so I guess she named herself and told me through telepathy!
For over two years now I have been searching for my dream antique mannequin and have spent numerous hours on Ebay learning all about this kind of sort after and rare collectible to style new jewellery designs as necklaces always present a challenge to show properly.
Like all the items of luxury I covert, this was no acception as it had to be an original from the couture houses of Paris, and well worn, so that I know it had a wonderful life before entering my home, in fact, this one is over a hundreds years old, circa 1900.
And of course Stockman is the most famous of all mannequin brands but most importantly with a wasp waist and I can just imagine the whirl of seamstresses that pinned and fitted couture gowns on her, perhaps her favourite designer was called Betsy and the ghost has stayed with her??

I am now very much looking forward to working with Betsy in the future and no doubt you will be seeing her on my website shortly, for instance, with this gorgeous new gold vermeil "Love Buddha" necklace, only 5 made in Gold vermeil and 5 in Sterling Silver.
Check my website shortly if you like the necklace, but Betsy is definitely not for sale.
Now, where to put her??

The story of Daddy's Stash

Modelling shoot with Rhiannon

So I decided three days before I was due to restock the Celtic Manor hotel with my jewellery for the highly anticipated Ryder Cup, that I needed to shoot some fresh jewellery photos, preferably on a model in order to provide the backdrop for my jewellery in the glass cabinets whilst masking the unsightly holes & messy electric cables of the hotel wall behind! But with a budget of say, er zero, I had to call in some favours.
Late in the evenings of many house parties, I tend to get my camera out and pretend I'm a fashion photographer and practice photographing my friends in artistic styles. During our last (of many) New Years Eve parties, I snapped my dear friend Rhiannon, who had a few too many of my infamous Mojito's as she pretended to play my husband's guitar. She looked fab in a silver sequence one shoulder dress, that for the first time, I could see what "they" term as model material. Yes, she is tall, thin and long in all the right places, but there is more to modeling as we found out...
On several occasions I threatened to photograph her donning the jewellery for a model shoot and she showed signs of interest, but nothing concrete. So it was only a matter of time til I would play my wild card.
Three days before I was due to deliver my jewellery, the weather was shockingly miserable, setting the scene for a muddy golf tournament ahead, no doubt. But with news of a short break in the skies, I decided to cash in my wild card ask a huge favour. During our usual school run catch up, we discussed Rhiannon's availability and put her to the test. I advised her that I needed to catch the break in the weather due, er tomorrow! Was she really going to go through with the photo-shoot?
Like a true professional, Rhiannon arrived made-up and on time, whilst I was still wiring some last minute earrings, like any hardcore designer working over deadline. We grabbed the camera and some nic naks for props and headed down the footpath to a quiet green spot nearby.
As the Autumnal sun seemed to beat down along with nosy dog walkers, we got a couple of good shots, but it was clear Rhiannon was getting a little flustered. We took the decision to pack up and head back home and into the junglesque bamboo infested tropical greenery which is, my back garden. There, with the fence shielding any onlookers, I immediately saw a complete change, from a normal women into a model, as Rhiannon relaxed into the role and stepped up to the challenge. All of a sudden, we were snapping shot after quality shot of a model tantalizingly searching through the jungle in Borneo, and made the jewellery come to life. I had clocked over a thousand shots and was amazed at how each scene felt different, even though we were only moving slowly around the garden following the last light of sun as the kids were doing the same screaming and yelping at each other, scoring for our attention.
With a little bit of direction and ad-hock styling from yours truly along with that perfect Sienna light of late afternoon sun seeping through the foliage, Rhiannon really worked it and was, as Tyra Banks says all too often, FIERCE!
Thanx to Rhiannon, it was job well done. Phew!
The above photo is my favourite shot and numerous photos of Rhiannon can be seen around my website and on this blog...

Winter warmer candle

When I was a kid growing up in Sydney, Christmas of course was in the middle of Summer which meant Mum would literally sweat buckets over turkey just to give us the "traditional" family roast Christmas turkey dinner. Being as hot as about 40+ degrees Celsius, you normally wouldn't decorate with candles in the middle of fire season, and every window in the house akimbo, there wasn't much need for ambient scents either. Not to mention, this was long before the candle boom of the eighties.

Here in the UK, the seasonal weather provides the perfect outside ambiance for that idealistic Christmas. So there is a natural calling to fill ones home with scents that conjure cwytchy settings and women, especially go all out for all things Christmasy to build the momentum of festivities, usually overdose their homes with sweet'n spicy sickly scents.

I have been thinking about a winter warmer candle for sometime, but the market is filled with these sweet sickly scents usually incorporating dessert style flavours of cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and the sheer thought fills my head with dread and throbbing migraines! By the time you've filled every corner of your lounge with those sweet'n spicy candles and scoffed the half dozen mince pies, you've over-indulged and overloaded your senses to last you the rest of the year. Luckily it's only once a year!

I mentioned my thoughts on blending a winter warmer candle to a good friend of mine, Cathie, who is one of my best testers, and her reaction was clearly in my favour, "oh please, not cinnamon or nutmeg!" she protested, nose firmly to the gods.

Now seeing as I always like to bring the flavours of my routes into my home, I have been wanting to include Sandalwood. Unfortunately due to cost, I had to substitute the best Australian Sandalwood for a cheaper African version and with that, I have put my snobby nose aside even though it's not entirely my first choice, particularly noticeable in the early spicy top note, but still, the lingering base notes very much musky Sandalwood. Now it's within a sensible price range of my other candles, about £14.95,

I am really into the subtle sweetness of Sicilian Bergamot right now which forms the basis of the scent blended with some patouli, lime, palmarose and finally the dulset tones of Sandalwood gives the blend that exotic velvety spice, I know it, but can't put my finger on it, whisper.

No sickly sweet dessert style aromas within cwoffing distance!

Available shortly on my website, after I take some more photos.

Space Invaders

I remember when I was a kid my parents took us to Hawaii in the late 70's and we saw, for the first time, a Space Invaders video game in table top form. We all had a chance to play and the best part was that Dad could place his beer on the top! I can still hear the sound it made.

Sculptured by my very own hands using PMC .999 fine silver, I then soldered the cufflinks on the back at my evening silver-smithing class last night and polished them up this morning. All my class mates thought they were really cool so I thought I ought to make them available to you.

Every time I look at these Space Invader Cufflinks, they make me smile and are now available to purchase on my website and Not On the High Street. They would make a great men's gift for Christmas.

my digital artwork

I've been teaching myself new tricks, in photoshop!

New 2010 A/W Jewellery Collection

New Alphabet beans

My new Alaphabet Beanies were made originally as I had some spare silver clay left over and made one for each of my daughters stamped with their initials for them to wear on holiday. Since then, I have had requests from their friends to have one made for their birthdays and so have become a bit of hit. I am now going to load them on Not On The High Street & my website to see what happens next so watch this space.
Each one is handmade using .999 fine silver and can be personalised with your choice of capital letter stamps, either one or two initials, choice of opalescent leather colours (Pink, Gold, White, Aqua, or black for the boys) and beautifully finished with a lovely high quality tulip hook clasp at the back with a complimenting crystal.
Perfect for young girls jewellery or boys.

Great news & I'm brimming with excitement.......
Finally I have been given the thumbs up to restock the very prestigious Celtic Manor Resort just in time for the Ryder Cup 2010 tournament here in Wales which is due to start on 1st October. I have been stocking the Celtic Manor with my jewellery & working alongside their Retail Manager for the past 3 years and I am so thrilled to be one of only 4 jewellery designers representing Wales during this period, which is apparently the 2nd largest sports event in the world, 2nd only to the Football World Cup! Wow, this really is a hot ticket.
Accordingly to sources, the hotel is completely locked down and no-one without a pass is allowed in or out of the hotel. I will be one of the lucky ones to catch a first glimpse of what's going on over there when I will be delivering my handmade jewellery including the new Best Selling Morocco Collection which features the beautiful Gold Vermeil finish and where my Caviar Collection will be unveiled.
Not, of course, before I publish it here first.

Going to the Polo

I love horses and I'm really getting back into them especially as my eldest child wanted a pony party for her 7th Birthday!
Ever since I moved over to the UK, some 17+ years ago, I have always wanted to see a Polo match and I thought of a great sponsorship concept of watching the polo in the marquee with a glass of champagne whilst enjoying the beautiful aromatics of my INVIGORATING aromatherapy candles.
I called the lovely chap who organises the Polo in Cardiff, Geoff Lloyd, with my sponsorship suggestion and he reminded me about a very valid point when having candles for a marquee event: Health & Safety.
Geoff initially stated that an open flame in a marquee/tent was too risky until I re-leaved his concerns after explaining the candles are presented in a glass container just for this reason. He agreed scented candles would be an interesting and memorable touch to the event so Melinda Mulcahy candles are now sponsoring the St David's Polo in Coopers field this Sunday.
I then proceeded to book some tickets for myself and my special guest/customer/friend Cathie to join me as I knew she had a new/first pair of Louboutins practically jumping out of their un-opened box at a sheer sniff of a social event. Only one problem, our heels would be ruined with the grass!! Hhmmmm. Wedges? Difficult to buy out of session in sandal form...
As always I love to share new finding with my readers and after a little bit of searching, I found this amazing heel stopper (click pic for link) which I have ordered for the day with some spares for future grass events when, no doubt, I will be making the Polo a regular highlight in my calender. Set! Brilliant! Just hoping for good weather.....
If you wish to join Cardiff's not so shiny glitterati, for Polo tickets go to St David's Polo and don't forget to mention you it from me. Kerching.... Cheers!

NEW Personalised Wedding Ring Bowl

There are so many accessories to buy and etiquette details to consider when organising a wedding. So what is the significance of the Ring Bearer and what accessories are required to fulfil the role?

The wedding party is often chosen by the Bride and Groom to show their respect to the ones who mean the most in their lives and make them feel apart of the wedding. Often these duties are filled by friends and/or family and in more formal weddings the Bridal Party is often much larger incorporating extras such as the flower girl or Ring Bearer, both adorable additions to any wedding party as they are often children aged between 3-6. Whilst there is no set number of Bridesmaids or Groomsmen, there is only ONE Ring Bearer.

Since the wedding rings in Western cultures symbolise the eternal love and commitment of the Bride and Groom given within the marriage ceremony, the symbolic wedding ring is usually made of precious metals and plays a significant role in the ceremony itself in terms of blessing and bonding the marriage. The giving of the rings is traditionally highlighted by the Ring Bearer as the rings are tied to a decorative cushion or pillow and is held out in front of the chosen participant to emphasize this significance of the rings as an offering.

The wedding ring bearer dates back from the Roman and Egyptian old traditions when a crude cloth was used to carry silver and gold stones as gifts for the Bride and Groom but become more established in Christian cultures in the early Victorian era with the emergence of middle class wealth to display their riches. Today, a pillow carries the wedding rings, however in recent years, the rings are often replaced by fake rings, and the real rings are entrusted with the Best Man. Even if the ring bearer may just be for display, it is still regarded as an important duty within the day's events.

The ring bearing pillow or cushion is often embellished and embroidered with a personalised message like the date of the wedding, a special saying like “To Have and To Hold”, or even a poem. Varying styles are also available, for instance a colour is often chosen to match the Bridesmaids, the style may reflect the theme of the wedding or season in which the wedding takes place, whilst the Ring Bearer, usually a boy, is dressed to match the Groomsmen in a formal suit or tuxedo.

The latest trend, when the couple don’t have someone to fit the human role of the ring bearer is to incorporate their pet, usually dogs or cats fitted with a harness or strap with which to tie the cushion to the back of the neck for all the wedding guests to see the rings as the animal trots down the aisle. Though not everyone's cup of tea.

The Ring Bearing cushion or pillow, in my opinion is now a little outdated and therefore open to more contemporary concepts. I have introduced a contemporary representation of the cushion which is designed as a delicate souvenir to be cherished as a reminder of a special occasion, including an Anniversary.

With the amazing new product PMC, I created my own interpretation of a ring bearing accessory. This wedding ring bowl in fine silver can be personalised and even imprinted/stamped to reflect the wedding. The wedding ring bowl has 2 holes to thread a ribbon which in turn secures the wedding rings for the event and can also be made into a small loop style handle for the ring bearer to carry down the aisle. The wedding ring bowl is also a very practical wedding keepsake which can later be used on the bedside table of the Groom to not only embrace an item of importance such as wedding ring if he so chooses to take it off, but also remind him of the date of the wedding, so the Groom/Husband has no excuse to forget to celebrate the Anniversary of each special year they share together..

As the wedding ring bowl is handmade with precious metal in a more contemporary style, like the ring bearing cushion, it too can be personalised in line with today's current trends to incorporate sentimental words like the nuptials, a poem or whatever message the Bride/Groom chooses. The personalised wedding ring bowl may even be given by the Mother-of-the-Bride or M-O-T-Groom as an extra gift to show their respect and blessing of the union. It may even been given as an Anniversary present!

A personalised wedding ring bowl hand-sculpted in .999 fine silver is a really lovely memento of two hearts joining to be treasured forever whilst adding a fresh and sophisticated polish befitting more discerning weddings.

Available to order on my handmade jewellery website, ensuring to email details of your special message and can be made with or without holes. Please allow up to 21 days for this item to be handmade.

NEW Morocco

My NEW Morocco Collection of stunning Gemstone handmade jewellery on a choice of Sterling Silver or Gold Vermeil finishes, NOW available to purchase direct from my website and via NotOnTheHighStreet.com.

With Thanks

'Many thank you's for the beautiful jewellery that arrived to-day. I recognised the stones on your websites as a new arrival that has been added to your on-going collection. Well, my love, you've again shown your talent and design skills, by combining the gold earring and two tones of Topaz Gemstone composition in such a sophisticated way. They suit beautifully and I now have the right companion piece to wear with my aquamarine ring.
With Love from your Aunty Kay'

Made it into Christmas Catalogue

My 'Daddies Stash' fine silver bowl made it into the NOTHS Christmas Catalogue for selected for Men's gift ideas! I'm soooo thrilled.
It reads, 'If you pinch these coins there will be nothing left for Sunday ice cream.
Bringing it now.

NEW Personalised Men's Gift Ideas

Personalised Golf Ball Marker, Playing Card Token and Plectrum all available on NotOnTheHighStreet.com or directly on my online boutique of handmade gifts, jewellery and candles.
If you would like me to add your own personalise message, please feel free to email me sales@melindamulcahy.com.

Photography of candles

All works shown on my website, this blog or Not On The High Street has been exclusively designed and handmade by Melinda Mulcahy and is therefore Copyright Melinda Mulcay UK. All photography is by Melinda Mulcahy and pictures are copyright Melinda Mulcahy UK

My shop front

There are loads of NEW designs and scent blends available on Not On The High Street, and still loads more to come, click the pic above to enter the site. Alternatively all of Melinda Mulcahy's NEW handmade jewellery and aromatherapy candles will shortly be available on my own website www.handmadedesignerjewellery.biz
Exciting times!!

Editors Pick

It's official! My divine aromatherapy candles were hand picked by the Not On The High Street Editors as today's What's NEW recommendation as shown below (click pic to go to site)

Not On The High Street

So yeh, now on I'm not on the high street! Well actually I am not on the high street. And not on the high street is a good thing, because I don't want to be on the high street, so everyone wears the same old same old.

So now you can ONLY buy my work on notonthehighstreet.com where you will find there is nothing from the high street! Get it!

Oh, except for my not so high street website which is dedicated to all my handmade designer jewellery creations available to purchase online.

Mxx

There is absolutely no better feeling that starting your event with a knock-out accessory that offers that feel-good confidence factor and one that you know will raise comments. I believe I have achieved that with this NEW Morocco collection, my first collect predominately stars gold vermeil.
Coming very soon to my dedicated website of handmade designer jewellery and currently only available to purchase NOW on notonthehighstreet.com.
All jewellery is limited in edition, so be quick to snap up this lushious collection before it disappears.

There are people who don't have many dreams and continue through life following the same path their forefathers paved.

Then there are those who dream up ideas and revel in them, boasting 'Yep, I've got dreams!' But then pack their dreams in a little box, revisiting them once in a while, making certain those dreams are still there. They may be great dreams, but they never even get out of the box.

It takes an uncommon amount of guts to put your dreams on the line, to hold them up and say, 'How good or how bad am I?' This is where courage comes in. I recall my old boss used to always say that I had courage. I have always tried to bring my dreams alive and have struggled in so many ways with my business. But, I believe there is a change coming and it's all good. No actually, it's great. After years of hard work, dedication and positive thought, after so many knocks, I have always risen above the challenges and I know my time is just around the corner, I can smell it. I intend on grabbing it by the horns and riding the wild wave to a prosperous future.

I am currently working on my NEW very exciting range of handmade jewellery which will shortly be available on Not On The High Street.com

My heavenly scented aromatherapy candles will also be available there too, also available via my own website handmadedesignerjewellery.biz

Great News

My handmade jewellery & aromatherapy candles have just been accepted on the very well known, and might I add prestigious

I am so thrilled that I could just burst and very eager to get working on setting up shop. Watch this space for the launch.....

Fighting depression

Famous researcher Paolo Rovestsi showed that inhaling essential oils of rose and lavender reduced feelings of depression and anxiety. Imagine combining that research with a brisk 30 minute run or walk outside to try and combat depression without prescription drugs!

Go to my handmade candles website to get your anti-depressants in a candle

Greg's Recipe

Summery foods are feel great foods, usually light and without the carbs.

My latest and best recipe for the moment (I can't get enough of it) is something my cousin Greg invented and I got to taste whilst I was out in Sydney last November and is like nothing I have ever tasted before. I am dedicating this to my Uncle Ted with love (was the last time I saw him):

Fry Rice Noodles (the super thin clear/white ones) in light olive or Sesame oil
Finely chopped red chillies (if you like it hot)
Large dash of Fish Sauce and Soy Sauce (not too much of either though)
Fresh White Crab Meat, I know it's very time consuming and messy but well worth the preparation time (if you can't be bothered, John West out of the tin will do the trick)
Serve with a hefty squeeze of fresh Lime Juice all over
Garnish with chopped Spring Onions & fried red chillies in olive oil. Voila!

New ARBONNE Skincare

Most people I meet comment on my skin, and those who know me, also know that I have always afforded high end luxury products alternating between Sisley, Creme De La Mer, Elemis and La Prairie to help fight the aging process.

They also appreciate how passionate I am about the products I recommend and that if I don't think they are anything other than AMAZING, I would not use them myself let alone recommend them! The best news in my life recently is that I have been using and thoroughly recommend.......

After using Arbonne, I can honestly see a noticeable difference to the appearance of my skin, my husband loves the Men's products, and best of all, my Dior wallet is far better off too! I am so convinced about changing products, that I have decided to become a Consultant, in my spare time of course!

Arbonne is not exactly a new product, as it's a 30 year old U.S grown business, but it's fairly new to the UK, it's only been available here for the least 2 years. But it's certainly packing a punch in the industry and word is spreading like wildfire. It won't be long before you will see it everywhere, if Vogue's Beauty Editor keeps boasting about it in her blog.

Their products are derived from natural plant properties produced with the most advanced scientific technology under stringent Swiss laws to produce amazing products, similar to the aforementioned luxury names but at more affordable prices. Sound familiar? It should, it's what I've been saying for years.

Now, in line with my own ethos of getting back to nature, I am introducing the Swiss formulated Arbonne range very soon and these incredible finds will available on my website http://www.handmadedesignerjewellery.biz alongside my own little gems.

Before you hop out to your local beauty shop to get your mits on Arbonne, it's only available through Consultants like myself, so you would be best to contact me directly.

Harmonising tips for mind body spirit

When someone leaves the earth to explore other great tapestries of the universe, it reminds me, life is so short. Whatever you care about, do it. Sometimes we are afraid to live our dreams until something makes us realise that, this is our moment. Please don't be afraid to open your heart to others, you have nothing to lose.
I am often asked how I remain so positive and full of energy. A friend recently told me she can barely cop with the horrendous winter blues she is having, so it was my turn to prop her up and I thought I should share with my reader too. If you're feeling fed up, sad, drained, tired, here are my simple tips you can easily incorporate into your life to harmonise your mind, body and spirit.

Get ready to blow your blues away, put the bounce back in your step and enjoy looking ahead to your wonderous future.

1). Nature's healing - talk a long walk by the sea or around a park all by yourself and listen to the breeze as you positively take in the beauty of nature. Concentrate on breathing in the fresh air.
2). Take time to pamper yourself especially when you are feeling low. Use natural products with essential oils for natural therapy like a great soak in the bath with a sea salt scrub and burn that aromatherapy candle you bought from me, don't just leave it on your mantle to gather dust!

3). Do yoga. It's a proven combination of physical exercise, breathing techniques and meditation to promote a healthy flow of energy in the physical body and calm mind.
4). Eat chocolate without feeling guilty. My Nana used to say "Take your time with chololate, it's a delicacy, with little tiny bites and really savor every moment."
5). Keep a diary of your feelings and allow yourself to feel each one without pushing them away. Whenever possible, don't let it fester, you'll feel better if you talk it through with a friend.
6). If possible, go to the sun. For an instant feel good fling, book a week to somewhere tropical. Otherwise, try "wish you were here" moments and scower the internet for pictures of tropical places for an instant lift or book a beauty treatment with your therapist.
7). Laugh - stop being so serious
8). Be grateful - feel fortunate for even the simplist things and cherish that moment. Book a coffee break with your favourite friend in your favourite cafe and natter, natter, natter.
9). Listen to music
10). Cook yourself a special meal that's light and summery.

French Lavender Fresh

All lathered up and ready to rub!

Handmade soap by a very traditional cold pressed method.

Fresh as morning dew in the spring.

Hitting 60

Upon completing the lengthy experiment of burning my aromatherapy candles from start to finish (in order to calculate the burn times) I have now successfully completed all trials of my NEW wax recipe with staggering results and surpassing my own expectations. It's a hard life when I have to burn my candles every night, but someone has to do it!

The result: They burn for an unbelievable 60 hours!

With such pure and amazing ingredients, now they are even more cost effective than the ones before. A great deal at £13.50!

I don't do offers, because I believe you should only pay for exactly what it is. You've already got the best offer! Value for money, every time. Another great reason why my customers always return for more.

Denise Owen, Massage Therapist recently told me she had "the best night's sleep with the RELAX candle". She is now stocking the candles along with The Celtic Knot, Welsh shop in Cowbridge.

John Griffiths in Camden, London emailed to thank me for "brightening his winter blues" with an Invigorate candle.

I have now decided to add ALL mybeautiful scented candles onto my new website,
available to purchase at:

www.handmadedesignerjewellery.biz

I'd love to hear your comments, so please feel free to leave your message.

I've cracked it again!

Every day I think of new scents and improving my aromatherapy candles. In fact, it's been a scientific process that I have been working on improving for the last 2 years, believe it or not!

There are so many factors to consider when producing candles, especially essential oils candles, and not very much information can be acquired, so it's a process of research, testing and elimination. For instance, the wax burns a hole straight through the middle leaving a wall of wax that lines the glass which is wasted. The pool of molten wax is too hot hereby decreasing the burn time. Wax is too soft, wax has imperfections in the top (still working on that one), not enough scent throw (no worries here) and the list goes on and on.
In addition, I have decided to go down the healthy route (only covered by about 1-2% of the candle market), not just for my children's lungs and lounge walls but for the environment where the materials are sourced. For the ultimate scent throw (to fill a room) it's a process of finding the right blend of wax, as more often than not, cheap scented candle you get from Marks & Sparks and the like hardly fill a two man lift let alone a normal size room. The choice of wax also determines the optimal appearance of the candle (the velvet creamy organic kind) plus, to back up my healthy commitment, the materials must also meet organic requirements. For this reason I have NOT chosen palm oil based on the devastating effect logging is having to the eco-system in Indonesia. And who doesn't love Orangutans? Where most candles will advise they use "vegetable wax" almost certainly palm oil is used! My candles are made with only 2 ingredients, Soy and secret other wax that I have decided not to disclose (as it took a great deal of research to work it out) + a cotton wick.

Another factor, now that all the above has been refined and burning optimised, one must have ideas on unique scent blends and ultimately, based on the power of essential oils, have a concept for therapeutic benefits which requires knowledge of essential oils (my bedtime reading). You may not even be aware, that over 98-99% of candles on the market are made using "fragrance" and even when they boast "aromatherapy candles" they are actually only adding a tiny proportion of essential oil mixed with other oils and chemicals to produce the required scent, similar to parfume. I am curious as to how they can even advertise aromatherapy candles? Even Jo Malone uses the word "fragrance" and doesn't even advise what kind of wax used which suggests they use paraffin, i.e toxins (yuck)! Natural Magic candles use essential oils yet they advertise "vegetable" wax in their ingredients, so one must question the possibility of palm materials being used?

Now that I am confident enough to boast my pure aromatherapy candles have been perfected, along side my research and developments, I have been working on some new scents. So far I have produced:
1. RELAX with lavender, rose geranium & rosewood - cosy lounge, fire crackling and maybe the odd glass of vino.
2. INVIGORATE with ylang ylang, lemongrass & ginger - allow yourself to be swept away to exotic shores conjured in your mind!
3. REFRESH with rosemary, lavender & lime - the perfect detox without the rubber hose (you know where that goes).
4. ROMANCE with a secret blend starring Moroccan Rose - for starry eyed romcom gazing, chocolate nibbling moments.

I now have two more scent blends which I must say are gorgeous and include some other little essential oil touches I have decided to keep close to my chest:
5. PAMPER with angelica, chamomile and some other little secret wonders! The ultimate luxurious pampering experience.
6. REVITALISE predominately with eucalyptus, lime, bergamot - to catapult you back on track to being your usual amazing self!

Within 15-20 minutes the pool of wax has increased to almost full potential enabling greater scent throw to fill a room.

My candles work as powerful holistic treatments so each breath of essential oil unleashed into the air, with proven theraputic qualities, will help improve your mind, body, spirit!

Now that my beautiful candles are progressing nicely I can turn my efforts towards producing lovely handmade smellies including soap, salt rubs and bath bombs. Based on the first batch I made, friends almost snapped my hands off when they heard I was making soaps, which prompted me to develop this further. My aim is to create products predominately made with olive oil (due to a future project in Italy) beautifully scented with essential oils. So keep watch for these a little later in the year, when I'll be explaining why I am going down this route, if you haven't already guessed!

My NEW Summer 2010 Cruise Collection

When I found out about the death of designer Lee McQueen, it really hit home. So many things running through my head, apart from the obvious family morning, there is now a gaping hole he has left in British fashion. What a tragedy! What a waste of a genius!
This brought me back to my own feelings of despair, of lose and knowing something was wrong but unable to put a finger on it. I have certainly endured dark days, which later transpired as postnatal depression.
In a waking moment like this, I threw my head back, took a great big breath and gazed blissfully in ore of the most welcome beautiful blue sky and smile to myself at how truly blessed am I!
I have two gorgeous girls who amaze me every day, a husband that still loves me for who I am (even after 18 years together), family and friends here and abroad who have supported me and whom I adore, they know they are always in my thoughts. Finally and more selfishly, to be allowed to tap into my natural ability to create and so follow my imagination, wherever it may lead.
My juices are always flowing in my creations including handmade jewellery, aromatherapy candles, painting, soap making, poetry, cooking, and more recently architectural design (more of this one a little later) which really floats my boat, even more so now that I feel alive, rejuvenated, confident and free! I am so thankful for these little reminders of how precious life really is.
The weather is my biggest influence of all and effects me daily. But this season I have been surprised and inspired by the most sensational winter I have ever experienced here in the UK. With such positive feelings to bask in and so much to look forward to this year, including starting our project in Italy, comes my NEW Summer 2010 Cruise Collection....
Only available on my recently launched limited editions online gallery
HandmadeDesignerJewellery.biz
where (I hope) my effervescent spirits translate through each piece.

My Inspirational Friend

I was searching to commission an artist to capture my two girls on the beach, when I stumbled across Jean G Dayton's work online nearly 2 years ago now and I am so thrilled that we have become great friends, shared our findings and given each other inspiration.

As we have never met in person, we put a date in the diary to spend the weekend exploring London's many galleries, but unfortunately something cropped up and it was cancelled. Seeing as Jean has me so intrigued, I posted her some questions to enable me to delve deeper into what makes Jean tick. What I didn't expect from Jean's personal side, were similarities in so many areas, it was like reading my own thoughts! I find her a rare jewel of extraordinary talent, that shares generously and is someone who truely inspires me.

www.jeangdayton.com

Jean specialises in high energy contemporary art, which I love to collect, but that's just the beginning. Here is what she told me...

MMD - Explain your fashion style?
JGD - I would like to think my style is bohemian, I like to wear bright colours, (especially turquoise), teamed up with bangles, bracelets and lariats and statement bags.


MMD - What is your favourite style of art?
JGD - Has to be abstract as you can see so much more in an abstract painting, you can get lost in it.

MMD - Pivotal moment in your career to move full time into painting?
JGD - About 3 years ago I was juggling my art career together with a soul-destroying office job and I woke up one morning and thought that I couldn’t go on like this; on the one hand I was doing something I love with my art and on the other hand I was doing this boring office job that paid the bills and it suddenly hit me that here was this massive contrast in my life pulling me in two directions, no wonder I wasn’t feeling very well a lot of the time – so I decided to dive into the unknown and Go for It, I gave up my office job and what a relief that was, it has served its purpose and it was time for me to spread my wings…and I’m so glad I did, it was the best decision I ever made and I’ve never looked back.

MMD -What message does your art communicate?
JGD - I would say essentially the energy of freedom, as that is how art and being creative makes me feel, my art comes from me and no one else and it’s MY creative expression of MY freedom I feel, so I hope that people pick up on this in some way and find it liberating to look at and enjoy.

MMD - What personal touches would you suggest for your home?
JGD - I like splashes of colour, this maybe in the form of Art, flowers, cushions, an ornament, just splashes of colour that suit the feeling of the room.

MMD - Your most prized possession?
JGD - I don’t really attach myself to things as such, I like a lot of things but to me its all about the people in my life. So I guess my most prized (can’t really call it possession) are my kids, even though they are 20 and 23! I love them dearly and always will and they are my friends as well as my babies. My 2nd most prized possession would be my imagination, my goodness, what would I do without that, being a creative!

MMD - Most difficult hurdle to overcome in business?
JGD - About keeping the belief in yourself going, keeping your goals in sight and never letting your dreams go, I strongly believe that if you believe in yourself then others will believe in you and your work, it’s all about energy!

MMD - How do you do all the electronic stuff and still have time to paint?
JGD - I need the balance just like everyone else and if I was to paint day in day out it would become a chore – to be creative and in the flow I have to go by my intuition for when its right to paint so there are times when I don’t paint, so this is when I really enjoy concentrating on promoting myself online, ie. My website, blog etc, to me this is still a form of being creative as I’m still using my ideas. Basically I never do anything that I don’t really really enjoy doing, if it starts getting stale then I think it’s time to move onto something else – got to go with the flow.

MMD - What, in your opinion. quantifies good taste?
JGD - Things that are made well using top quality materials and that are pleasing to the eye.

MMD - What motivates you to be so positive when you work all alone?
JGD - Music, I love to listen to music when painting, sometimes clubby music, sometimes spiritual and zen-like music, whatever the mood takes me and I feel inspired to listen to – sometimes even the radio, I find this very grounding, produces some very different work! Also having a goal in my mind of the finished painting, this really motivates me and keeps me super positive.

MMD - What can we expect from you in the coming year? Like limited edition prints? Hint hint!
JGD - In the coming year I am hoping to have my Abstract art represented by a top gallery somewhere in the country, preferably in London. I am also developing my Art Shaman workshops and parties for children, which I’m really excited about, this has been a dream for a while now and it’s something I feel will develop and grow over the years.

Personally, I'd love to see Jean produce more amazing yatchs with splashes of colour like this one shown below (her best so far) offering a late evening or early morning effect. You can certainly feel her energy captured in every piece she paints. Get closer to my inspirational artisan friend, see all her latest works, watch her rise to fame and even read what questions Jean asked me, on her blog at jeangdayton.blogspot.com or just click this picture.....

I'm so excited

I'm about the unravel what I've been working on for the last month or so.....

My special ONE-OFF and LIMITED EDITION creations will be available to purchase soon, in a new gallery format.

Tik tok, tik tok, tik tok

Keep your eyes pealed, cuz it really won't be long at all.

only one way up

Tumbling down

down she falls

steeply into regret

Festering anger

drowning

dwelling

have the lies stopped yet?

Instability growing

thrashing

echos

the emotional abyss

The more she ignores

inner most feelings

burning

and obsessed

The muddy path

becomes more slippery

hurting

deeper as she falls

still unable to accept

the misery

could all be stopped

by talking down the walls

Find me on Folksy

I recently joined FOLKSY, which is the UK's early version of Etsy for makers like myself to sell their wears. I will be only offering a limited amount of my jewellery.
Of course you can find most my work on my website which is updated regularly, but FOLKSY is just another way of selling, albeit a little more expensive to sell as I pay a commission!

Constructive Lives

A tree drenched with fruit and leaves
Dancing, engaging, vivid lime green
Scars and knicks mark it's bark
From birds that visit and feed

It's strength offers nurture
As seasons perpetually roll
Branches outstretched to perch
Throughout Winter's stark cold

Encouraging new growth
As obscurity fades behind
Flowers eternally emerging
Awaits magnificent spring time

Birds pilfer it's fine twigs for nesting
Providing shelter and warmth
Snatches fruit when ripe and falling
All, just to hear sweet song at dawn


Mx